By Oluseye Ojo
The clock is ticking down to the 170th anniversary celebrations of the Baptist Academy, Shepherdhill, Obanikoro, Lagos, which will last for five months.
For nearly two centuries, the citadel of learning has been a beacon of educational excellence, not only in Lagos, also in Nigeria, and beyond.
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In the build-up to the anniversary, the Baptist Academy Old Students’ Association (BAOSA) is pulling out all the stops to commemorate the momentous occasion.
The Baptist Academy was founded in 1855 by the Southern Baptist Convention and the First Baptist Church on Broad Street, Lagos.
The academy, which has been a trailblazer in education, has nurtured leaders over the years, who have made their marks in various fields.
The BAOSA President, Mr. Olumide Ajomale, a Fellow of the Chartered Accountants (FCA), during a recent press conference, which officially marked the launch of the 170th anniversary celebrations, gave the theme of the anniversary as: ‘Legacy, Excellence, and Community’.
He described the theme as a fitting tribute to the academy’s ethos since its inception.
He stated that in March 2025, during the convention of BAOSA, a commemorative logo was unveiled for the anniversary, which beautifully encapsulated the institution’s storied past, dynamic present, and hopeful future.
“Baptist Academy is not just one of the oldest educational institutions in Nigeria, but also a pillar of values-driven, holistic education in our nation’s history.
“Today, we stand on the shoulders of giants – visionary educators, selfless missionaries, and generations of alumni, whose sacrifices and foresight have shaped this great institution,” he noted.
Ajomale, who expressed his excitement about the celebrations, stated: “This milestone offers us a chance to honour that legacy, showcase the academy’s enduring relevance, and reignite a collective vision for the next century.”
The anniversary celebrations, which kicked off with a press conference on August 1, has been scheduled to feature series of activities till December.
Ajomale added that a symbolic tree planting exercise would take place on August 19 within the school premises. He explained that the action would stand as a testament to the institution’s lasting roots and growth.
Also, homecoming activities and dormitory experiences will hold in September towards rekindling fond memories and foster reconnections.
From September to December, a historical exhibition that would trace the Baptist Academy’s evolution through artefacts, photographs, and narratives would be featured.
The academy, according to him, would also host a medical outreach initiative to positively impact the local community.
Ajomale stated further that an inter-set football competition to foster sportsmanship and camaraderie among alumni, and a legacy debate that would feature schools to promote intellectual engagement and idea-sharing among the youth, would add glitz and glamour to the anniversary.
The anniversary lecture has been slated for October 15, 2025, and would reflect on the academy’s legacy and contributions to national development.
A programme tagged: Back to Cradle, has also been listed for the anniversary, which would encapsulate visiting and worshiping at First Baptist Church on the Broad Street, and site of the school.
A reunion dinner and awards night will also take place to honour 170 distinguished alumni for their contributions to society and the academy’s values.
Highlights of the anniversary also include thanksgiving services, class oroject launches, and a cultural day.
Ajomale said the BAOSA has also planned commemorative events in Abuja, London, and Houston to connect alumni worldwide, and foster cross-generational pride and support for the Baptist Academy.
In a bid to catalyse transformative projects within the school, Ajomale said the alumni would use the anniversary to launch long-term developmental projects within the school, using funds raised through the N1billion BAOSA Infrastructure Development Fund (BIDF).
“Our alumni class sets are already initiating building renovations, provision of solar lights and lawn tennis courts, renovation of the dining hall, scholarship funds, and learning resources to improve the educational experience for present and future students,” he said.
Ajomale called on all stakeholders, including corporate bodies, alumni, and the public, to join in the celebration and recommit to the ideals of Christian discipline, academic excellence, and selfless service.
He continued: “Our celebration is not just about history. It is about impact. Baptist Academy has contributed immensely to national development, producing leaders in education, business, the clergy, public service, the arts, media, sports, and virtually every sector.
“This milestone offers us a chance to honour that legacy, showcase the Academy’s enduring relevance, and re-ignite a collective vision for the next century.
“We will use this opportunity to reawaken and salute the efforts of our founders: Harden House – Joseph Harden; David House – William Joshua David; Duval House – Louis Duval; Vaughan House – James Churchwill Vaughan; Willingham House – Robert Josiah Willingham; and Stone House: Rev’d Richard Stone.
“Baptist Academy lives on, not just in the walls of the school at Shepherdhill, Obanikoro, but in the lives of the thousands it has touched across the globe,” he said.
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